‘Ineng’ accelerates, weakens

Typhoon Ineng ( international name Goni) has accelerated and has further weakened late Saturday, the state weather bureau said.

Ineng packed winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

It moved faster at the same direction north northeast at 15 kph.

Signal No. 3 remained over Batanes Group of Islands, while Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands were placed at Signal No. 2.

Only Northern Cagayan and Apayao were under Signal No. 1.

Pagasa continued to warn residents of these areas to watch out for possible storm surges, flashfloods and landslides.

Ineng was 175 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes as of Pagasa weather bulletin at 11p.m. It is heading to Taiwan and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday evening.

The typhoon will enhance the southwest monsoon prevailing in Luzon including Metro Manila.

Fishermen were also told to avoid the seaboards of Metro Manila, ISabela, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Central and Southern Luzon.

Ineng has already claimed 10 lives in its onslaught, most of which due to landslides.